Maximizing Engagement With Virtual Events

I’ve been thinking a lot about the 90 minute virtual meeting paradox. We spend the first 30 minutes on welcoming everyone and introductions, the next 15 on framing, and then a few people share thoughts. Then, just when the conversation gets meaningful, the host abruptly announces "We're out of time!” and throws a few rushed closing thoughts and announcements together. Sound familiar? We crave deep, meaningful, trust-based exchanges in virtual meeting environments that feel both tiring and rushed. It seems like as soon as momentum builds and insights emerge, it’s time to wrap up. Share-outs become a regurgitation of top-level ideas—usually focused on the most soundbite-ready insights and omitting those seeds of ideas that didn’t have time to be explored further. And sometimes, we even cite these meetings as examples of participation in a process, even when that participation is only surface level to check the participation box.  After facilitating and attending hundreds (thousands?) of virtual meetings, I've found four practices that create space for more engagement and depth: 1. Send a thoughtful and focused pre-work prompt at least a few days ahead of time that invites reflection before gathering. When participants arrive having already engaged with the core question(s), it’s much easier to jump right into conversation. Consider who designs these prompts and whose perspectives they center. 2. Replace round-robin introductions with a focused check-in question that directly connects to the meeting's purpose. "What's one tension you're navigating in this work?" for example yields more insight than sharing organizational affiliations. Be mindful of who speaks first and how difference cultural communication styles may influence participation.  3. Structure the agenda with intentionally expanding time blocks—start tight (and facilitate accordingly), and then create more spaciousness as the meeting progresses. This honors the natural rhythm of how trust and dialogue develop, and allows for varying approaches to processing and sharing.  4. Prioritize accessibility and inclusion in every aspect of the meeting. Anticipating and designing for participants needs means you’re thinking about language justice, technology and materials accessibility, neurodivergence, power dynamics, and content framing. Asking “What do you need to fully participate in this meeting?” ahead of time invites participants to share their needs. These meeting suggestions aren’t just about efficiency—they’re about creating spaces where authentic relationships and useful conversations can actually develop. Especially at times when people are exhausted and working hard to manage their own energy, a well-designed meeting can be a welcome space to engage. I’m curious to hear from others: What's your most effective strategy for holding substantive meetings in time-constrained virtual spaces? What meeting structures have you seen that actually work?

Ever felt like you were talking to a wall during a virtual meeting? You’re not alone. Studies show that 70% of remote workers feel disengaged in virtual meetings. 😱 So, what's the secret sauce for transforming those flat, uninspiring calls into dynamic, engaging experiences? Here’s what I’ve learned: 1. Start with a Hook: Just like a great presentation, your meeting needs a captivating opener. Share a surprising statistic or a thought-provoking question. This sets the tone and grabs attention right away. 2. Visual Engagement: Use visuals! A well-designed slide or a quick video can break the monotony. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. 3. Interactive Elements: Polls, breakout rooms, or even a quick game can work wonders. When participants actively engage, they’re more likely to contribute and stay focused. 4. Personal Touch: Share a personal story or experience. It humanizes the meeting and fosters connection. People remember stories, not just data. 5. Clear Takeaways: End with actionable insights. Give your audience something they can implement immediately. This not only adds value but also keeps them looking forward to the next meeting. In my experience, these strategies have transformed my virtual meetings from mundane to memorable. But I want to hear from you! What’s your secret sauce for making virtual meetings feel as engaging as in-person ones? Drop your tips in the comments! If you found this post helpful, please give it a like and share it with your network. Let’s elevate our virtual meeting game together! #VirtualMeetings #Engagement #RemoteWork